Dockers record $1.5 million profit

The Fremantle Dockers have had a massive turnaround in financial fortunes, posting an operating profit of more than $1.5 million in 2021.

The club reported a loss of $1.07 million for the COVID-ravaged 2020 season after receiving almost $3.4 million in Jobkeeper subsidies.

But revenue recovered to normal levels in 2021, with the club taking $52.4 million despite the disruptions caused by COVID.

The royalty payable to the club's licence holder, the WA Football Commission, also jumped to $1.91 million.

Last year's annual report said the club was liable to make a $1.1 million royalty payment to the WAFC in 2020, but the 2021 report revealed it had actually paid $750,000.

Fremantle Football Club president Dale Alcock said the pandemic had an effect in 2021, but the club was in a better position than anticipated.

"With the continued generous support of our partners, members and supporters, we were able to mitigate the significant financial impact of playing our Round 6 Len Hall game to an empty Optus Stadium and our Round 16 'home' game being moved to the MCG," he said.

"This support, together with our co-major sponsors Woodside and Programmed, and the assistance of the federal and state governments, has ensured we remain debt free and unassisted by the AFL following the past two COVID-impacted seasons, with cash reserves of $3.82 million."

The Dockers received about $1.44 million in government subsidies in 2021.

Football Department expenditure jumped back up to $25 million after being slashed to $21 million in 2020.

Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick said there were still some challenges ahead.

“While we remain confident the 2022 season will go ahead as scheduled, the year does have the potential to present challenges as we navigate our way through the pandemic," he said.

“Through on-field improvement, continued revenue growth and prudent financial management, our club is strongly placed for the future."